This Hidden Masterpiece by Arthur Machen Will Send Chills Down Your Spine!

Prominent Welsh author Arthur Machen has left an indelible mark on English literature with his vast collection of captivating stories. Among his many works, one particular masterpiece stands out - "Dreads and Drolls". Prepare yourself to be mesmerized by the eerie and mysterious world crafted by this genius of horror.

The Enigmatic World of Arthur Machen

Arthur Machen, born on March 3, 1863, was a renowned writer and mystic whose works largely revolved around themes of horror, the supernatural, and occultism. His writings were deeply influenced by his own spiritual beliefs, which included elements of paganism, Christian mysticism, and the Celtic mythology of his native Wales.

Machen's unique storytelling abilities and vivid imagination garnered him a dedicated following, with horror enthusiasts eagerly devouring each new work. He often delved into the subconscious realms of human experience, blending reality and the supernatural, generating an unparalleled sense of suspense and terror.

Dreads and Drolls

by Arthur Machen(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	805 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	354 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Dreads And Drolls: The Synopsis

In the midst of Machen's extensive bibliography, "Dreads and Drolls" remains a hidden gem. Originally published in 1926, this mesmerizing collection of short stories transports readers to a world where the line between the physical and spiritual becomes blurred, and the underlying undercurrents of horror pulsate with malevolence.

The book features a compilation of thirteen chilling tales, each more haunting than the last. Readers will be enthralled as they navigate through a labyrinth of sinister secrets, mystical rituals, and the depths of the unknown.

The Dark Whispers Within: Themes Explored

"Dreads and Drolls" delves into the nature of fear, exploring the various ways in which it manifests itself within the human psyche. Machen's profound understanding of the macabre allows him to unravel the deepest fears and anxieties that often remain dormant within us.

One of the recurring themes in this collection is the exploration of hidden desires and the consequences they bear. Machen's powerful prose slowly unveils the dark desires and repressed secrets of his characters, leading readers down a sinister path that challenges their own moral compass.

The chilling atmosphere that permeates Machen's stories is further enhanced by the richly detailed description he employs. The readers will feel fully immersed in the eerie settings, as the author's words paint horrifying pictures in their minds.

Legacy and Influence

Despite being relatively unknown to mainstream audiences today, "Dreads and Drolls" has had a lasting influence on the horror genre. It has inspired numerous authors, and elements of Machen's storytelling can be seen in the works of renowned horror writers such as H.P. Lovecraft and Stephen King.

Machen was also a significant influence on the artistic and literary movement known as "weird fiction". This movement, which gained popularity in the early 20th century, sought to explore the boundaries of traditional storytelling and push the limits of the human imagination.

While many of Machen's contemporaries dismissed his work as too esoteric, his experimental approach to horror fiction has gained recognition over time. His works continue to captivate readers who are drawn to the enigmatic and the unknown.

Arthur Machen's "Dreads and Drolls" is a true masterpiece of horror fiction, showcasing the author's literary genius and his ability to tap into the deepest recesses of fear. The collection invites readers into a world of dark secrets, chilling tales, and the supernatural, leaving an indelible mark on their souls.

If you are a fan of horror, the occult, or simply appreciate exceptional storytelling, then "Dreads and Drolls" deserves a place on your bookshelf. Uncover the hidden depths of Machen's imagination and let his words transport you to a world where the line between reality and the unknown blurs.

Prepare to be captivated, disturbed, and utterly enthralled by the thrilling tales that lie within the pages of "Dreads and Drolls".

Dreads and Drolls

by Arthur Machen(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	805 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	354 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

This volume contains sixty studies, mostly from real life, each of which, by its capacity for inspiring terror or causing amused wonder, qualifies as the ‘Dread’ or ‘Droll’ of Arthur Machen’s general heading. ‘To be able so to tell the bare truth that it seems a magnificent lie’ is the qualification which has attracted Machen to the most outstanding of his narrations.

When Dreads and Drolls was first published in 1926 it contained twenty-nine articles reprinted from London’s The Graphic. We have great pleasure in more than doubling that number by including all of his contributions from that magazine. To ‘The Euston Square Mystery’, ‘The Adventure of the Long-Lost Brother’ and others we have been able to add ‘A Castle in Celtic Myths’, ‘A Pretty Parricide’, ‘One Night When I Was Frightened’ and many more.

There is a tendency towards the re-telling of notable eighteenth-century crimes among these ‘Dreads’ and ‘Drolls’, but Machen also manages to illuminate such a wide range of subjects as the Holy Grail, the ‘Little People’ and cookery. In this entertaining and diverse collection of essays, Machen manages to show how little human nature has changed through the centuries.

We can admire Machen, in the words he uses to commend Grimaldi, as a man with an ‘admirable scent for mystery and capacity of creating it’.